Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

636.2M 2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Ewha Centennial Hall (이화여고100주년기념관)

651.6M 2024-02-20

26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ewha Centennial Hall is a multimedia education center located next to Ewha Girls' High School. Spanning underground and five above-ground floors, it features a gallery, a cafe, music rooms, individual practice rooms, and audio-visual rooms. The Hwaham Hall on the first and second floors is utilized for performances such as musicals and concerts, as well as educational events.

CheongKwanJang - Jonggak Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종각역)

655.0M 2024-04-22

#102, 95, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

656.8M 2023-03-24

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-7500

The National Palace Museum of Korea displays over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty. With various treasures on exhibit, the museum continues to provide information on the dignity of royal culture and the creativity of royal cultural assets.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

667.9M 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (강북삼성병원)

668.8M 2025-10-23

29 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Established in 1968, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has over 50 years of history and is taking a new leap forward with a vision for its centennial year.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and the BBDC in Canada, the hospital delivers advanced medical services while leading the public health arena. It is also committed to systematic research and the development of ICT-integrated digital healthcare, which will be the foundation for future medicine. With an excellent infrastructure that includes clinics and specialized centers (e.g., the Diabetes Center, Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, Digestive Cancer Center, Musculoskeletal Disease Center, and Prostate Center), Kangbuk Samsung Hospital provides top-quality medical services focused on providing patients with satisfactory treatments.

Nampo Myeonok (남포면옥)

684.0M 2024-03-07

24, Eulji-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3131

Located near Seoul City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream, Nampo Myeonok is a traditional Korean restaurant. Opened in 1968, it has been recognized by the Michelin Guide several times. Their specialty is pyeongyang naengmyeon (pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles). The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes that are the most commonly found in Korea, including galbi tang (galbi soup), bulgogi, mandu soup, and yukgaejang (spicy beef soup).

Olive Young - Jeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 정동)

686.8M 2024-04-22

26, Saemunan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

703.9M 2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Sejong Village Food Street (세종마을 음식문화거리)

715.4M 2025-06-17

Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Previously known as Geumcheongyo Market, it was officially named Sejong Village Food Street in 2011, as King Sejong was born in this village. The street is full of lively energy and features both long-standing restaurants, also known as nopo in Korean, and recently established trendy eateries. Its convenient location and inviting atmosphere make it a popular place to visit.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식) - Area information - Korea travel information